Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Patagonia (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops of the region of Patagonia (Dioceses of Comodoro Rivadavia, Viedma, San Carlos de Bariloche, Neuquén, Alto Valle del Río Negro, and Río Gallegos) are asking their faithful this Easter “to renew their vocation as a community that believes in life and that offers something new each day.”
In their Letter for Easter, the Bishops denounce the grave crisis “that goes against the thirst for respect that every human heart experiences as a result of their dignity.” In the region of Patagonia, “the crisis is worsening the situation of poverty and many are being left to their own devices, without protection, with all that this implies.”
“At this time in our history, in which exclusion and meaninglessness of life abound, many fears arise that do not help in the quest for finding solutions to our problems.” Among these “fears,” the Bishops mention: the sense felt by many that they have no place in society; the seemingly impossible dream of having one's own home, a decent house to live in; the existence of so many addictions, which are many times an intent to escape the reality of our society; salaries that do not make ends meet in the daily life of a working family; violence, so widespread on all levels that it seems to be the only means of achieving anything.
However, in the face of so many fears and anxieties the Prelates remind the faithful of the words of the Gospel: “Do not be afraid,” because “new life in the Risen Christ allows us to overcome fear through love that is born of faith” and “it bears in itself the strength and creativity needed to face modern crises.”
The Bishops conclude with an appeal to all the faithful to uproot all selfishness, indifference, individualism, and all ambitions for wealth and power; give greater importance to the real presence of Christ, who is alive and has risen, in the Eucharist; stand by those who suffer, as the Church must reach out to others, to the least important of society; work with courage against the deeper causes of suffering a fear in our brothers and sisters. “In this manner, we will not be accomplices with our silence or indifference in a situation in which many are marginalized and excluded from or deprived of the true life that God wishes to bestow on all His children.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 7/4/2009)
